2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 443 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
